Best Credit Cards To Build Credit
There are a lot of credit card options that are great for building credit.
Read MoreSecured Credit Card
Build or rebuild your credit—
one step at a time.
one step at a time.
Talk to a financial services expert now by calling 800.456.3000.
Schedule an appointment with an expert.
Why Choose Our Secure Card?
Whether you’re starting fresh or rebuilding, our Secure Credit Card helps you establish a strong credit history with confidence, backed by your refundable security deposit.
Easy Approval
Designed to help those with limited or rebuilding credit to get approved quickly.
Build Credit & Confidence
Gain confidence and grow your credit history by practicing smart credit management.
24/7 Card Control
Manage your card anytime. Lock or unlock your card, view transactions, and control spending from your phone.
Transition to Unsecured
Move up to an unsecured card as your credit improves—no need to start over.
How it Works
Make a refundable security deposit of $500 or more. This becomes your credit limit.
Use your card for purchases.
Pay on time each month.
We report your activity to all three major credit bureaus.
When you feel good about your credit, you can close your account in good standing or upgrade to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.
What Our Members Say
Don’t just take our word for it—hear from our satisfied members.
Makes banking easyArkansas Federal makes banking easy. It always handles just what I need right on the spot.
Friendly and Willing to HelpI really love how everyone is so friendly and willing to help with my banking needs. I am very thankful I listened and chose Arkansas Federal for all my banking needs.
Customer Service is SpectacularI enjoy being a member of Arkansas Federal because they are always helpful when I need something. I have had a positive experience working with Arkansas Federal because its customer service is spectacular.
Explore Great Credit Card Benefits
Build Credit
Build credit with all three major bureaus.
Free Credit Monitoring
Stay on track with Credit IQ—it’s free!
$0 Annual Fee
Delight in no annual fees. Hooray!
Free Authorized User
Add another user for free—how nice!
24/7 Card Control
Control your card anytime, anywhere—with My Cards.
Tap to Pay (Contactless)
Tap, pay, and go. So easy!
Digital Wallet
Pay with just your phone—so simple!
Fraud ProtectionCredit Builder Secure Card—Guide to Benefits: Certain restrictions apply. For details, see the Guide to Benefits.
No fraud worries. You’re protected.
Rates & Fees
Clear pricing with no hidden fees!
Interest Rate
18.00
%
APR
Credit Builder Card: As of 02/02/2026 the variable APR is 18.00% based on market conditions related to the Prime Rate. There is no annual fee; however, late payment fees may reach $40. The foreign transaction fee is 1.00%, and a balance transfer fee of 3.00% of the total amount applies. A cash advance fee of 3.00% per transaction also applies, and interest on cash advances will be charged at your standard APR from the transaction date. All loans, including credit cards, are subject to credit approval, and additional restrictions may apply. Membership with Arkansas Federal Credit Union is required. Please refer to the Full Credit Card Account Agreement and Disclosures for complete details.
%
APR
Your rate will never exceed 18.00% APR Credit Builder Card: As of 02/02/2026 the variable APR is 18.00% based on market conditions related to the Prime Rate. There is no annual fee; however, late payment fees may reach $40. The foreign transaction fee is 1.00%, and a balance transfer fee of 3.00% of the total amount applies. A cash advance fee of 3.00% per transaction also applies, and interest on cash advances will be charged at your standard APR from the transaction date. All loans, including credit cards, are subject to credit approval, and additional restrictions may apply. Membership with Arkansas Federal Credit Union is required. Please refer to the Full Credit Card Account Agreement and Disclosures for complete details..
Fees
Annual Fee
Balance Transfer Fee
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
3.00%
1.00%
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a secure credit card work?
A secure credit card works just like a regular card—you use it for everyday purchases, get a monthly bill, and make payments. The key difference is the refundable deposit you provide upfront. That deposit becomes your credit limit and offers security for the lender. For example, if you deposit $500, your credit limit is $500. You make payments from your checking account or with cash, just like any other card. Once your credit improves, you can either close the account in good standing and get your deposit back, or upgrade to a regular (unsecured) card and still get your deposit refunded.
Will the secure card help me build credit?
Yes! If you practice responsible habits, such as making payments on time and keeping your balance low, the secure card will help you build credit. We report to all three major credit bureaus, so the secure card is a good option for those looking to build or rebuild their credit.
Are there any fees?
A cash deposit is needed to open the account, but there are no annual fees or over-limit fees. However, you may be charged a late fee if you don’t make a payment on time.
How much is the deposit for the secure credit card?
The minimum deposit to open a secure card is $500. Your deposit will match the credit limit you are approved for. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, you will need to put down a deposit of $1,000 to open the card. This money is put on hold in your Share Savings account.
Once I build more credit, can I apply for a regular or unsecure card?
Yes! Secure cards are meant to be a stepping stone on your journey to building better credit, not a permanent situation. We recommend making timely payments on your secure credit card for a minimum of one year before considering an unsecured card. Arkansas Federal offers different options for unsecured credit cards once you’ve built sufficient credit. You can reach out to our team at 800.456.3000 to request an upgrade.
Does the secure card come with rewards?
No, the secure card does not come with rewards. For a rewards card, check out Arkansas Federal’s 2% Cash Back Card.
How do I apply?
You can apply in just a few minutes online, or in person by visiting your nearest branch.
Looking for an Unsecured Option?
From cash back to secure, and even business cards, we’ve got you covered.
Cash Back
Earn 2% cash back on every $1 spent!New Purchase Offer, World Cash Back Card: Offer valid for eligible new accounts opened between October 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Eligible new purchases receive a 0% introductory APR for six (6) billing cycles beginning on the date the account is opened. The introductory period begins on the account opening date, not the date the card is received, activated, or used. After the introductory period ends, any remaining promotional purchase balance and new purchases will accrue interest at the standard variable APR, which currently ranges from 14.49% to 18.00%. Balance transfers and cash advances are not eligible for the introductory APR and will accrue interest at the standard APR from the transaction date. If the account becomes 60 or more days past due, Arkansas Federal reserves the right to end the introductory APR and begin charging interest at the standard APR. You can earn 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases, which may be redeemed for cash back equal to 2.00% on the uChoose Rewards site. There is no annual fee; however, late payment fees may reach $40. A balance transfer fee of 3.00% of the total amount transferred applies to all balance transfers. A cash advance fee of 3.00% per transaction also applies. All loans, including credit cards, are subject to credit approval, and additional restrictions may apply. For complete card details, please refer to the Full Credit Card Account Agreement and Disclosures. Membership with Arkansas Federal Credit Union is required. Offer and rate advertised are subject to change without notice.
Low Rate
A low rate you can count on, every day.New Purchase Offer, Classic Low-Rate Card: Offer valid for eligible new accounts opened between October 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026. Eligible new purchases receive a 0% introductory APR for six (6) billing cycles beginning the date the account is opened. The introductory period begins on the account opening date, not the date the card is received, activated, or used. After the introductory period ends, any remaining promotional purchase balance and new purchases will accrue interest at the standard variable APR, which currently ranges from 9.50% to 18.00%, based on creditworthiness and market conditions related to the Prime Rate. Balance transfers and cash advances are not eligible for the introductory APR and will accrue interest at the standard variable APR from the transaction date. If the account becomes 60 or more days past due, Arkansas Federal reserves the right to end the introductory APR and begin charging interest at the standard variable APR. There is no annual fee; however, late payment fees may reach $40. A balance transfer fee of 3.00% of the total amount transferred applies to all balance transfers. A cash advance fee of 3.00% per transaction also applies. All loans, including credit cards, are subject to credit approval, and restrictions may apply. For complete card details, please refer to the Full Credit Card Account Agreement and Disclosures. Membership with Arkansas Federal Credit Union is required. Offer and rate advertised are subject to change without notice.
Business Rewards
Earn 2% cash back on purchases!Rewards: You can earn 2 points for every $1 spent on purchases, which may be redeemed for cash back equal to 2.00% on the uChoose Rewards site.
